The Trudeau government says the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will soon launch a new Verified Traveller program that will offer a faster and more efficient screening experience for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada.
The news was quickly welcomed by a lobby group of Canadian business people, which called it a “forward-thinking” plan that will “improve the security screening experience for eligible travellers.”
Ottawa said the new Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller program. By June 21, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be available at select domestic and international checkpoints in the following airports:
Vancouver International Airport
Edmonton International Airport
Calgary International Airport
Winnipeg International Airport
Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
Toronto Pearson Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time, as use of dedicated Verified Traveller lines grows. The new lines provide eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping their shoes, belt and light jacket on. Eligible travellers include:
Members of NEXUS and Global Entry;
Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, with valid ID;
Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.
The Verified Traveller program allows children who are 17 years of age and younger, and adults who are 75 years of age and older, to accompany verified travellers through security, provided they are on the same reservation.
Several airports will also offer verified travellers with front-of-the-line service and additional benefits at transborder checkpoints (flights to the U.S.). For more information and a list of airports, visit CATSA’s website.
Calgary International Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO
“CATSA plays a crucial role in keeping our air sector safe,” said Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport. “As the sector entered recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how important it was to have a smooth and efficient security screening regime for air passengers.
“This new Verified Traveller program builds on our $1.8 billion investment for CATSA in Budget 2023, and is great news as we enter another busy travel season to help combat congestion at our airports,” the minister said. “It will help improve the security screening process for eligible travellers at select airports across Canada, while still ensuring we meet the highest standards of security and safety for air passengers.”
Innovate. Travel. Canada. (“ITC”) said it welcomes the decision to introduce a new Verified Traveller program to improve the security screening experience for eligible travellers.
“This forward-thinking initiative represents a significant step toward ensuring that passengers can navigate through Canadian airports safely, swiftly, and efficiently – enabling them to reach their destinations faster. As a coalition of business leaders whose operations rely on seamless travel, we want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with government and our partners in the aviation sector to make this new program a resounding success,” the group said. “Our coalition is fully dedicated to lending our expertise to support the implementation and ongoing refinement of this program, including through an expansion of eligible travellers and airports so more Canadians can have access to faster screening.
“We commend the Minister of Transport’s proactive approach in addressing the needs of Canadian travellers and will continue to collaborate with the federal government to find innovative solutions to help smooth the traveller experience through long-term technology-based solutions.”
